Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which should keep food from moving backward into the esophagus doesn’t close well. As a result, food, liquid, and stomach acid leak back into the esophagus. Long term effects include asthma, increase in cancer risk (Barrett’s esophagus), bronchospasm, chronic cough, dental problems, esophageal ulcer, and narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring.

Conventional treatment for acid reflux includes medications such as proton pump inhibitors (decrease the amount of stomach acid) or H2 blockers (lower the amount of acid released in the stomach). Long term use of these medications is not recommended because they can decrease your ability to absorb nutrients and increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Diet and lifestyle changes can help to address the root cause of your acid reflux. Avoiding food triggers such as alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, and chocolate can help. It can also be helpful to do food sensitivity testing to identify other trigger foods for you. In addition, losing weight, quitting smoking, and allowing adequate digestion time before lying down can also be beneficial.

I also highly recommend natural remedies for heartburn, such as Gaia Herbs Reflux Relief. This formula combines botanicals with mineral nutrients to provide relief for occasional heartburn and acid indigestion, while promoting healthy stomach function. Ingredients include sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, which promotes stomach acid balance, and organic extracts of soothing plants such as aloe, marshmallow, barley, licorice, and chamomile to promote healthy gastric function. I suggest chewing one tablet and allowing it to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Repeat as needed up to a total of three tablets daily. For additional support, I suggest also taking probiotics and glutamine.

—Margo Gladding, MS, CNS, LDN

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Margo Gladding is an herbalist and licensed nutritionist who teaches classes and provides private consultations at Ellicott City Pharmacy. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Herbal Medicine. She currently serves on the Maryland State Board of Dietetic Practice. Margo has over 7 years of experience working in an integrative pharmacy and loves helping people learn more about nutrition and herbs.